Oct 20
CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United: Preview
It’s been quite a week! From beach balls to touchline brawls and slack marking to summit embarking. Now Moscow and the artificial pitch awaits for Ferguson and his charges where three more points would go even further to sealing United’s progression into the next phase of the Champions League.
It’s worth noting that trips to the Luzhniki Stadium haven’t been too unkind in recent years either, although CSKA certainly won’t be a proverbial walk in the park synthetic grass.
Following his absence from Saturday’s victory over Bolton, Wayne Rooney continues to miss out with the calf injury he picked up whilst playing for England. That does, however, give another chance for Michael Owen to prove his worth and continue to develop a partnership with Dimitar Berbatov.
Ryan Giggs did get through 90 minutes against the Trotters on the weekend, although he has not travelled with the squad to Moscow. You would assume that he probably wouldn’t have been given the nod even if he was fully fit and with Liverpool in mind, it makes sense to allow the Welshman the evening off to rest up.
That could quite realistically present Nani with a terrific opportunity. Having scored an impressive goal for his country last week, the former Sporting Lisbon man should be chomping at the bit to show what he’s about and the ideal scenario may be to afford him the chance to go and express himself in Russia. It may be last chance saloon for the 22-year-old this season and it’s these sort of chances that he has to firmly clutch with both hands.
Patrice Evra is another to have stayed in Manchester so one would expect John O’Shea to switch to left-back with Wes Brown operating on the right hand side of the defence. Rio Ferdinand survived a further barrage of criticism following a steady showing on Saturday so he should continue alongside Jonny Evans with Nemanja Vidic possibly being rested for the trip to Anfield. Edwin van der Sar should continue in goal.
United will also be without Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung through injury so that should see a definite start for Paul Scholes with one of Anderson or Michael Carrick alongside him. With Nani undoubtedly occupying one flank, Antonio Valencia, fresh from his first competitive goal for the club, should start on the other.
In the build-up to the encounter, Ferguson admitted that he wasn’t concerned about playing on an artificial pitch, hinting that he would be happy with a draw in Moscow.
“CSKA are a young side who know what they are doing and have one win behind them already,” the Scot said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“Also, their home advantage means more than usual because they play on an artificial plastic surface. I don’t have a problem with that, though, because we can cope and I am looking to our back-to-back games against CSKA to take us to 10 points and a place in the knockout stages.”
CSKA certainly shouldn’t be underestimated although despite Sir Alex’s best efforts to play down the need for a resounding result, and even with something of a depleted squad, three points should most definitely be in reach for the Reds.
The Moscow outfit are a little off the pace in the Russian Premier League, seven points behind leaders Rubin Kazan in fourth spot having played 25 games of the season (which kicked off in March). They did, however, beat Besiktas in the last round of Champions League fixtures and keep your eye out for goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, a player who has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford in recent times.
Prediction: 1-0 United
Squad in full: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster; Neville, Rafael, O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, J Evans, C Evans, Fabio; Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Nani; Owen, Berbatov, Macheda, Welbeck.
Related items from Red Rants:- Manchester United drawn with Besiktas, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg
- Manchester United v CSKA Moscow: Preview
- Liverpool vs Manchester United: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Sir Alex’s men for the third consecutive CL final?
Tags: Game Preview
October 21st, 2009 at 13:34
Maybe Berba will be on the bench? Owen may start with Macheda or Wellbeck.
October 21st, 2009 at 14:17
@venu: Where is this news from??, Also as this is early kickof.. we should get the team news in few hours..
October 21st, 2009 at 14:19
Also Its a chance for these guys to prove themselves, Though the fact is FSW was really commiting suicide by playing Ngog as only Striker…
October 21st, 2009 at 14:20
am seeing us giving this game a safety approach, 4 defenders ( brown, vidic, evans, oshea) and 5 midfielders (valencia, scholes, carrick,anderson,nani) with owen upfront by himself. I mean this is fergy and this has been his system in europe esp when he sees a draw as being a good enough result.
But I stand a better cahnce in monopoly than predicting fergy’s squad selection
Today should be a good day to use our squad and keep players like berba and rio fresh for the lpool game. Maybe bring them on in the dying minutes of the game to give them a warm up for sunday or if we are losing
October 21st, 2009 at 14:23
@Man Utd Jaluo : Ya hope so, I expect to see Anderson given the room to play, he has started to play well , same goes for Carrick as well… Any concrete team news??
October 21st, 2009 at 14:43
@despicable: team news nomarlly come out 40 mins beforre kick off, thats in the next two hours or so.
October 21st, 2009 at 14:49
0-0 BORE draw.
I will watch this game nonetheless on FSC!
October 21st, 2009 at 16:21
If you cant’s watch this game you can try CSKA Moskwa – Manchester United live streams
October 21st, 2009 at 16:22
sorry I can’t resist:
is it chomping or champing?
October 21st, 2009 at 16:56
VDS
Neville Rio Vida Fabio
Valencia Scholes Oshea Anderson Nani
Berbatov!
October 21st, 2009 at 17:01
For those not aware, the match is on right now. Earlier than usual.
October 21st, 2009 at 17:03
Game starts in 28 minutes, get the fuck on here lads!
October 21st, 2009 at 17:04
@Footy4Eddy: if only fergie would pick Fabio..he will go with O’Shea at left back..
October 21st, 2009 at 17:07
Official team:
GK: Van Der Sar
RB: Neville
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Fabio
RW: Valencia
CM: Scholes
CM: Oshea
CM: Anderson
LW: Nani
ST: Berbatov
subs: Kuzzy, Evans, Brown, Carrick, Welbeck, Macheda, Owen
Although UEFA.com says Fabio is the midfielder, and Oshea is the left back…
October 21st, 2009 at 17:08
@RMJ: Mate, its the official team…
Game starts in 20 minutes.
October 21st, 2009 at 17:15
@Footy4Eddy: wow that means ill have to watch match commentry..its the afternoon here in the US..i was planning on getting out of work early but…
…oh btw Fabio started out as a DM in his Fluminense days..
October 21st, 2009 at 17:16
Man Utd
01 Van der Sar
02 Neville
05 Ferdinand
15 Vidic
20 Fabio Da Silva
22 O’Shea
08 Anderson
17 Nani
18 Scholes
25 Valencia
09 Berbatov
Substitutes
29 Kuszczak, 06 Brown, 23 Evans, 16 Carrick, 07 Owen, 19 Welbeck, 27 Macheda
October 21st, 2009 at 17:17
GK: Van Der Sar
RB: Neville
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Fabio
RW: Valencia
CM: Scholes
CAM: Anderson
CM: Oshea
LW: Nani
ST: Berbatov
October 21st, 2009 at 17:18
I think Oshea is our DM. Fabio LB. Nani LW and Val-e is our RW.
Scholes CM with Anderson supporting Berba!
October 21st, 2009 at 17:19
ando as the attacker i cant wait for his hat trick
October 21st, 2009 at 17:20
@RMJ: Fabio is tiny for a DM… Oshea has played there before.
FIFA know shit about football!
October 21st, 2009 at 17:29
Anderson to score a hat-trick!
What I can draw from this team:
1. Owen will start on Sunday
2. Carrick will start on Sunday
3. Gary Neville and Paul Scholes will no start on Sunday.
October 21st, 2009 at 17:33
Juande Ramos!?
October 21st, 2009 at 17:34
Kickoff! If akinfeev has a monster game you fergie will open his wallet to get him?
October 21st, 2009 at 17:35
Btw nice mobile interface!
October 21st, 2009 at 17:37
Happy birthday Nemanja, 28 today!
October 21st, 2009 at 17:39
Actually I cannot reply in mobile … I do not see reply button
October 21st, 2009 at 17:44
@[OPTI] Madschester United: never mind I got it. Pressing on image of comment allows me to reply. Now only my image does not show up
Anyhoo… Game is pretty decent as we have most chances but look a bit shaky in defense
October 21st, 2009 at 17:47
@[OPTI] Madschester United: Ok ok… Game is very slow and we have no chance of scoring but nani is mom right now
October 21st, 2009 at 17:56
Anyone notice funny bounce of ball on playing surface. And berba is furious… Poor deliveries meant to him makes it understandable
Also we are dominating posession and sxholes almost scored off a long shot that bounced in fromt of akinfeev
October 21st, 2009 at 17:56
any justin tv links guys?
October 21st, 2009 at 18:02
Either I am all alone on here or the game has put everyone to sleep… Nani is awesome today…. Rest is bleh
October 21st, 2009 at 18:06
@[OPTI] Madschester United: 4-5-1 is boring… The game is boring… The Klasnic fella is boring… I am bored…
October 21st, 2009 at 18:08
Neville almost scored a left foot blaster from 20 yards!!!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:08
@[OPTI] Madschester United: neville goes close from long range 20 meters
October 21st, 2009 at 18:11
Im bored, this game needs excitement!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:11
@Footy4Eddy: Just cuz the game is boring does not mean we have to be.. Anyone got any jokes?
October 21st, 2009 at 18:14
Half time to show Tomasz Kuszczack come on for Edwin Van Der Sar with the soundtrack “Let me entertain you!” to follow him onto the pitch.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:15
@[OPTI] Madschester United: Best jokes I can come up with at this moment are Liverpool and Rafa Benitez.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:16
@Footy4Eddy: good joke. Yes! Halftime.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:17
shitty tactics and shitty streams…
October 21st, 2009 at 18:19
“Did you know that the mans left testicle is placed lower than the right?”
Norwegian commercials are 0_o
October 21st, 2009 at 18:20
Im tired and half asleep. United arent helping my cause.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:20
99 RED BALLOONS!!!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:21
@Dan: Im bored and bored. United bore me even more.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:21
@AndyCR7: try veetle…
October 21st, 2009 at 18:22
Their no. 17 is not so bad. Skinned fabio couple of times.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:23
If you happen to be bored:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHXIPJ83t2U
http://www.studs-up.com/2009/10/have-it-your-way/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYHNzJtwcas
October 21st, 2009 at 18:24
I look forward to the second half. It cant possibly be worse than the first…
October 21st, 2009 at 18:25
Oshea in midfield is just silly take him off and put a striker on. Nani looks lively but stupid still and needs better delivery. Anderson is awol. Vidic needs to stop with his backpasses just clear the ball son!!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:26
Nani has shown some flashes of brilliance thus far this year, but still lacks consistency. I think around 24 is when he´ll hit his stride, but can United wait that long?
October 21st, 2009 at 18:29
Poor Berba. Stuck up front all alone in the cold Moscow night and without an ounce of quality service to feed him some hope. Tonight’s game is really a showpiece over what is wrong with Man Utd as a team. They possess no skill as an end product. No players whop can deliver cross after cross that is dangerous, not one player who has the class and ability to string a long through ball to a lone striker making a diagonal run. Not one player who can take a one on one confrontation on the wings and turn a defender around and then deliver a ball that matters. For all our possession tonight, have we even created a decent scoring chance?
We play rubbish football and the team selection does not surprise me a bit tonight. Fergie is looking towards Liverpool and he has control of the group in the CL. He is right to rest his main group in midfield. But still, although Scholes hasn’t done anything wrong tonight, would it hurt him to take a look up front and try to deliver a through ball to Berba once in a while. Instead he always seems to go for the safe outlet. That’s fine and all but does it really accomplish anything? 0-0 would be a great result tonight for Fergie, but is it a great result for the game and the competition? Is this what it’s come to with him? I couldn’t care less if we lost 1-3 tonight as long as we came out with a little enterprise and the desire to try and win and score goals.
This is anti football as Wenger likes to say. I for one am disgusted to call myself a United fan when we play this kind of football. SHAME SHAME SHAME Fergie…….SHAME. One thing he has forgotten in his quest to pad his legacy is the entertainment factor. And that’s a shame.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:30
I as usual am very impressed with Milos Krasic. My kind of winger.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:36
Russians seem to get excited over the smallest things…
No wonder their women make great hores! 
*No offence to any russians on here, I am just really bored and if you want I can say Norwegians dont even know what getting excited is.*
October 21st, 2009 at 18:37
@AndyCR7: http://www.veetle.com/viewChannel.php?cid=4add5adbc003d – Cracking stream Gromit!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:37
That missed opportunity by Nani to begin the second half is a perfect example of what is wrong with the little man. Craig will complain about the fact that O’Shea and Anderson were sleeping and should have covered the far post but the fact is Nani should have shot and even more so, if he was going to pass, he should have had his head up. Again he did his thing without looking up. Just poor fundamentals and poor decision making from a player with all the skill.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:37
@Grognard: That’s who i was talking about too.
Heard about this new position in midfield Anderson plays in? “Invisible Midfielder”!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:42
I’m shocked!
Yellow card? For what, being tripped in the box? That was a bloody penalty. 
October 21st, 2009 at 18:42
This is funny. from the bbc’s 606 “United fans will notice that Anderson always picks the right option and invariably gets it wrong and Nani always picks the wrong option and usually gets it spot on”
October 21st, 2009 at 18:44
@Shami: Yes and Anderson is the very best at that position in the world. Nobody disappears better than him. And you haven’t seen anything yet. He is incredible at disappearing in the second half. A real clutch vanishing act expert he is.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:46
THAT`S why we should buy Akinfeev!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:47
@Grognard: Houdini himself!
Told you he was gonne one of the best in the world one day… 
October 21st, 2009 at 18:47
@Shami:
October 21st, 2009 at 18:51
please Fergie, put on another striker!!! or at least rest Berbatov for the Liverpool game. If he’s going for a draw, why not play Welbeck or macheda upfront and let Berba be fresh for Liverpool???
The old man never fails to surprise 
btw, that player that just came off looks a lot like that Ljajic kid that’s supposed to join us in Jan
October 21st, 2009 at 18:53
I think nani has done best for us today. While that is not sayiing much of him, I think it speaks volumes of our team’s performance
October 21st, 2009 at 18:53
Akinfeev is really, really good. Our new keeper?
October 21st, 2009 at 18:54
Just one thing. Why the fuck is he wearing tights?!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:55
oooh Nani just missed. hitting the corner flag i.e.!
October 21st, 2009 at 18:55
Get Berba and Andy off, Welbeck and Macheda on.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:56
@Footy4Eddy:
He wears Maybe because he’s a real “compact” keeper.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:56
Scholes is off, Owen is on
October 21st, 2009 at 18:57
@Shami: …………
-_-
October 21st, 2009 at 18:57
@Footy4Eddy: I hope so… the guy has been quite good tonight. He just oozes confidence.
October 21st, 2009 at 18:57
0(-_-)0
October 21st, 2009 at 19:02
I’m so bored i’m checking out Manucho’s wikipedia page. And apparently he scored against valencia last week!
October 21st, 2009 at 19:09
What a goal that would have been! Great movement lads!
October 21st, 2009 at 19:09
Unlucky Tony…
Would have been a really great goal.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:12
TONY IS ON FIRE!!! Honestly, pace to BURN!!!
October 21st, 2009 at 19:13
Valencia! But Akinfeev should’ve stopped that.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:14
And Fabio is injured. Again!
October 21st, 2009 at 19:14
Strange goalkeeping from Akinfeev. You’re supposed to make yourself bigger, not smaller, when one-on-one.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:15
@Shami: Nah. Foster should have stopped that, Akinfeev was just beaten by a good finish.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:16
@Footy4Eddy: touche’
October 21st, 2009 at 19:16
Didnt Valencia score two goals on international duty? 4 goals in 4 games innit?
October 21st, 2009 at 19:18
You see, thats what happens when we play with 2 strikers!
October 21st, 2009 at 19:18
@Footy4Eddy:
October 21st, 2009 at 19:19
Valencia has one major flaw- He doesnt know how to celebrate.
Where are those latin moves, eh Tony? 
October 21st, 2009 at 19:21
FT
Now… ONTO LIVERPOOL!!!
Lets crush those bastards!
October 21st, 2009 at 19:23
@Footy4Eddy:
October 21st, 2009 at 19:25
Well that was a much better and more purposeful performance in the second half. Hats off to Fergie for showing some guts and putting Owen out there to try and win the game. Berba is just pure class. A great flick on to set up Valencia’s goal and then the little back heel to Anderson should have made it 2-0. Amazing how much better he got in the game once Owen showed up. For me the player of the game was Vidic for United and Krasic for CSK. Fergie, sign up that Serbian as he is pure class with the ball at his feet.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:27
@Shami:
October 21st, 2009 at 19:27
@Footy4Eddy: Actually as mean as i have been to Foster, I have to say that Akinfeev did not look great on that goal. A sharp angle like that should have been his advantage and he should have cut the angle off better. So Dan, never say that I am not fair.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:30
@Grognard: I found Vidic weak today. 1st half he made many mistakes… 2nd half had nothing to do. Nani MoM. Was our only source of creativity in the first half and set up our goal along with other chances. His only major mistake was his very poor cross to an open berbatov in the 88th minute.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:32
Well there you have it, Pat Dolan a man I respect fro his views on football just came out and said that Ronaldo is the best player in the world. Then it must be so.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:34
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Actually he wasn’t weak, he was covering up for others especially Gary Neville who was poor in his own end at times. I don’t think he was super Vida from last year, but he was solid for us on a night when nobody really excelled.
October 21st, 2009 at 19:35
@Grognard: My friend who is a girl and hates football said Ronaldo is far away from being the best player in the world because he is so girly and he is too female for her liking, but she also said Torres and Messi arent the best they either. Apparantly Cantona is the best player in the world…
October 21st, 2009 at 19:40
@Footy4Eddy: Torres is a bloody transvestite!
October 21st, 2009 at 19:43
@Dan: Well, apparantley John Terry is as well!
October 21st, 2009 at 20:09
Krasic looks brilliant…he looked danderous every time he touched the ball. Quick and he was hard to rob. Valencia slowly looks better. His shot would have been fantastic.
Why cant fabio finish games? strange.
Akinfeev was great up until our goal. It was practically straight at him.
October 21st, 2009 at 20:11
Oh and I forgot to say Gary Nev looks GOOD!
October 21st, 2009 at 20:13
Guys, this may come as no surprise but I am already looking ahead towards the game on Sunday. If anybody needs any help to get fired up for the Liverpool game, take a look back at how we felt and reacted during the 4-1 loss. Its brutal, I tell ya! But just gave me extra incenitve to beat those fuckers up!!!
Take a look at the thread, here: http://redrants.com/man-utd-v-inter-preview/#comments
October 21st, 2009 at 20:13
@Taehr: You mean in a gay way or…
October 21st, 2009 at 20:15
Grognard following the 4-1 loss to Liverpool in March. The best written example of how we all felt…
“Boys, I am just to low for words, but I’ll try anyway. I feel like a tuna that’s just been gutted. I am shocked, simply shocked.
I am in total disbelief but above all, I am feeling like a Liverpool fan trying to come up with excuses and reasons to defend my lads and explain that we are better than that.
How could such a calamity happen to such an inferior foe in our own home at Old Trafford. I feel like a Liverpool player who while on the road has had his house broken into and all his valuables stolen by Scouser bastards who are nothing more than subhuman parasites.
What I witnessed was not just shocking and disgusting, it was surreal. It seemed like it was a bad dream and … [read the rest here]
Edited by moderator
October 21st, 2009 at 20:32
@Footy4Eddy: Mate, next time it would be better if you took out an extract of it and linked to the rest of the comment. Especially for long-winded posts like this one, it’s pointless if you are posting something that’s already posted on the blog before and eats up space here — adding to the redundancy.
I edited your comment and did what needs to be done next time.
October 21st, 2009 at 20:36
@Red Ranter: Sorry mate, didnt think of it. Gonna do that next time, just thought that that exact comment gave everything needed for an extra incecive to get a well needed lust for revenge!
October 21st, 2009 at 20:43
@Footy4Eddy: No worries. In case you need to know the direct link to any comment can be got by right-clicking (and copying) the link just below the commenter’s name that contains the date (For example, in your most recent comment, copying the link that says October 21st, 2009 at 20:36 gets you the link to your comment.)
October 21st, 2009 at 20:47
NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI Deft Flick onto Berba’s head, another flick by Berba, & Valencia put it to bed! Just Like Nani deft flick to Scholes, who headed in the Besiktas goal. NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI
.
Oh and I stopped worrying when the Mighty, Mighty WES came on the pitch. Talk about Solid – what a TITAN!
Oh and hello all – you all on top form?
October 21st, 2009 at 20:53
@Craig Mc: If im honest, nani isnt half the player giggs is, in the current day
October 21st, 2009 at 21:01
One act of Nani artistry, one moment of deftness in Besiktas and CSKA games, and we won 2 CL games – will do me.
.
Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani Nani should have had at least 3 other assists tonight, if other players had any gumption, he got the ball to them – no doubt
October 21st, 2009 at 21:04
@Craig Mc: Glad you are back mate!
You think Nani is gonna start on Sunday? Giggsy is in the form of his life and Tony has scored 2 in 2 for us. Fergie may not be able to keep them out…
October 21st, 2009 at 21:05
@Dan: Stoke City, Britannia Stadium
October 21st, 2009 at 21:11
@Footy4Eddy: Yea ofcourse!
October 21st, 2009 at 21:12
@Craig Mc: I was a bit worried when he missed that easy header, and they almost scored from it. He still looks a bit rusty, and Fergie obviously feels the same, constantly choosing Neville and O’Shea ahead of him even when he is back to fit.
October 21st, 2009 at 21:13
@Taehr: 0(-_-)0
October 21st, 2009 at 21:14
That was one big fuck up from Casillas!
Wow, I really love watching Real lose. I want Ronny to do well, but those fuckers can go to hell! 
October 21st, 2009 at 21:18
Nani was better today no doubt but still could get much better with his final product…
October 21st, 2009 at 21:20
What a game 2-2 now! fantastic goals from drenthe and pirlo…!
October 21st, 2009 at 21:28
@Taehr: He got the ball in more than anybody else mate, and like I said he would have had 3 other assists if other players had been more on shooting form. Also his balls into the area have led to the two goals that won us the games against Besiktas and now CSKA. Some of you need to give the lad a break
. I notice nobody ever mentions Valencia’s LACK of decent crosses into the box, or his decision making. Anyways – no Nani today, another draw instead of the win – how’d you like that mate? 
October 21st, 2009 at 21:29
@Taehr: Oh and yes almost forgot – Sky pundits said Nani was United’s most creative player tonight – go figure eh?
October 21st, 2009 at 21:32
MILAN!!!!Pato is class….The ref fucked up earlier with cassilas getting hit by his own defender…and he disallowed it…reals defence is wank
October 21st, 2009 at 21:33
@Anders: I think you’ll find on playback Anders, that Wes had another United players very close to him, and so they were indecisive and let the ball bounce! Wes is solid mate, and definately he should have been our RFB from beginning of game, and O’Shea LFB. Fabio was so far out of his depth it was farcical. Sorry Dan, I know you love Fabio mate, but he is nt quite ready yet!
October 21st, 2009 at 21:37
@Footy4Eddy: Thanks mate – but I am just visiting, because I got a Year long project, with monthly deadlines. So nose to grindstone bound, but lucrative work I must admit, so am not complaining, especially with so many people out of work with recession!
October 21st, 2009 at 21:41
@CraigMc: ‘Nani was better today no doubt but still could get much better with his final product’ I said hes final product could be BETTER..whats wrong with that sometimes he could have passed it quicker/better. He was better today. I said that. He has potential to be much much better though. IF ur happy with him as he was today then good for you. I think he could get much better with better decisions and as for sky pundits they can shove their opinions up their asses. But yea he was probably the best hes been all season
October 21st, 2009 at 21:47
@CraigMc: Fabio was great mate. Nothing wrong he did
October 21st, 2009 at 21:53
My feeling is that Nani and Valencia are both a season away from ripening into consistent, dangerous wingers. Both have flashes of brilliance tonight, but also some very long and painful to watch dry spells
October 21st, 2009 at 21:53
@CraigMc: Deadlines. Work. Craig.
Well you sound like a very focused bloke in real life, compared to your Nani/Kimberley-obsessing, ale-addled post-match rants. 
Good for you, mate. Anyway, here’s wishing you the best in your year-long project.
October 21st, 2009 at 21:56
@Elliott: The use of word ‘ripening’ sparks curious images in my head; gives me a mental image of Nani and Valencia as green (hence, unripe) bananas that will turn yellow in time.
October 21st, 2009 at 21:56
@CraigMc: Good luck mate, seems we are all dealing with some stress right now. Not as many people commenting as regularly on here lately, me included! Seems its busy days for most people mate.
October 21st, 2009 at 22:02
@Taehr: He was better than THE REST today Taehr, but yeah I see your point mate. I don’t think any of our players looked like they wanted to WIN that game. I am afraid that SAF is too one dimentional now when playing in the CL. Every other team has us tabbed, and I think we move so slow, and pass backwards more than we attempt to play forwards, and so we BORE the opposition to death with our SNOOZE football ever other week. Truly if our players turned out in their pyjamas it would not look amiss mate. At least Nani got up to a bit of a gallop. When SAF brought another striker on with Berba, things got going a whole lot better. Blame SAF, he sits there thru all this BLAND play, and he looks so disinterested and in another world most of the time. His face and our play is expressionless – apart from Lil man of course
.
October 21st, 2009 at 22:08
@Red Ranter:
, I was an honours student RR, so that should tell you how bloody hard I grafted. I have spells in my work where I get flooded with it, and other times where it lulls, so I can get ale riddled, ranting, Kimberley obsessing etc and thoroughly enjoy the lull times. I have a family now RR, so my glory days with the boys are over. When work calls, needs must 
.
October 21st, 2009 at 22:18
@Elliott: Yeah mate, but it was THEIR flashes of brilliance that WON the game for us. The rest of our MF and strikers were heavy on sleeping pills m’thinks
. As for consistent, dangereous wingers, blessed be those days mate – we need some areas of their games to mature – other parts of their game are mature. Considering they were not supposedly our main strikers tonight, Nani and Valencia were the ones trying to get into the box and score. Nani had more shots on goal than Berba or Owen 
.
October 21st, 2009 at 22:24
not many fergie bashers on here tonight then. his usual formation and tactic in europe tonight. kill the other teams attack and try and sneak a goal. a champions league recond away undefeated. agood performance tonight i thought never gave them a sniff really although i was expecting more from cska.bring on the scum on sunday. MUFC
October 21st, 2009 at 22:59
Valencia needs to work on his celebrations…
October 22nd, 2009 at 0:11
@ Eddy, personally i dont care how he celebrates aslong as he continues scoring : )
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:09
@Footy4Eddy: OK, I cannot disagree with that because even if he is over 40, out of shape and strictly acting, he is the KING. And kings are always the best.
By the way Eddy, I finally picked up FIFA 10 and I have to say the game has me sort of frustrated. A lot of good changes especially the player movement but I hate the ratings they have given certain players. Puyol and IbrahimoBitch get 88’s but Ronaldo gets only 87 but Kaka gets 88? And the ratings for many stars all over the world are really too low while there are certain players that get ratings that are way too high.
By the way, was it you or somebody else that said the Russian League was included in this year’s game? It isn’t and i am gutted because I was actually looking forward to playing in that league.
I love using Berba in this game as the new movement features really bring out the best in him. My first game was an exhibition game vs Wolves to just see how things worked. I only won 2-0 because the Wolves keeper did his very best Iker Casillas imitation. Man if this is how good the keepers are in this game, it’s going to be hard to score. 24 shots at the bugger and I had to struggle to get two by him. What happens when I face a keeper like Neuer or Casillas?
And you know what the best thing about this game mate? Anderson sits on my subs bench and Foster is wasting away in the reserves somewhere. When I start my league Gentle Ben will be toast. Don’t worry, I’ll keep Anderson because I like thrusting his big arse at defenders.
Oh and a few more things I don’t like. I see the practice tutorial videos but how do you actually get to practice? Also, at he end of the game the give the player ratings but the players who have been subbed off don’t get a rating? And I already never liked the very limiting editing tool, but now you don’t even know how many points you have to work with when you start distributing them around to improve your player. This is just amateur hour crap by EA trying to treat everyone like subserviant sheep.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:12
@Dan: He is not. It’s well known that Torres is the best looking female footballer in the world and has been given a special sanction that allows her to play alongside men because she is a lesbian. That’s OK because I’m a lesbian too.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:19
@Footy4Eddy: And all that misery from last year can be forgotten with a big win at Anfield on Sunday. United could not be asking for a better time to meet the Scouse as they have lost four in a row and are very low indeed. We haven’t been great but we seem to be getting the points. This game will go a long way in defining our season and showing all of us just what kind of team we have. If we were to lose to Liverpool when their form has been terrible and when Gerrard and even Torres are hurting, then it would expose us for the paper champions that I think we are. On the other hand, if we were to go there and give them a right good bollocking, then that could elevate this team’s confidence and their drive for even better things. It’s so early in the season but a lot rides on this grudge match. United must gain revenge for last year and by doing so, may very well knock Liverpool out of the running with their fifth loss of the season. I am expecting a titanic struggle but I expect UNited to beat this very mediocre Liverpool squad and finally shutup the “It’s a Fact” man Rafa for good.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:21
@Craig Mc: Good to have you back mate, you’ve been missed.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:22
Berbatov was a disgrace tonight. He spent the first 80 minutes moaning until he finally got the finger out and showed what he can do. Everytime Nani got into a position to cross Berba would stop, wait for him to cross and point at his feet. Maybe he should’ve tried to get on the end of some of them instead of being a whiney bastard
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:22
@Footy4Eddy: Nani has no chance in Hell of starting on Sunday. There was a reason why Giggs, Fletcher and Carrick were rested. I think the chances of Nani and Anderson starting are very remote.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:24
@Taehr: His final product was utter crap today but he worked hard, trailed back and ran well with the ball. He needs to keep his head up more before he delivers a pass. Too often his passes were way off because he had his head down.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:27
@Taehr: Fabio looked great at times but he did get turned inside and out a number of times by Krasic who was fantastic. Still, he never let him get shots or great crosses away so yes, he did a fine job.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:31
@RicoTheRed: Fergie’s tactics will always piss us off but his squad selection for a semi meaningless game in Moscow on artificial turf was just right. After all, he we have bigger fish to fry on the weekend and he did right to rest the warriors that will be counted on the most on Sunday, while allowing Vidic and Rio a must game to get the kinks out of their less than solid defending of late. Not big on his tactics but our patience won out and kudos to the Boss for turning it up with 20 minutes to go and putting Owen out there to try and win the game.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:33
@Footy4Eddy: His is Mr. Happy isn’t he? Lets refer to him as Little Groggy from now on because he seems to be a miserable old bastard even when he wins and does well.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:35
@Liam: I think you are being really harsh on Berba. He had every right to bitch and moan because the service into him was pathetic at best. Many times he made good runs or was in a great position only to have Nani, Valencia, Anderson and others miss him completely. It’s frustrating playing up front alone but he definitely found his gear and his form once Owen showed up.
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:03
@Liam: Disgrace? Really? I thought the service and support let him down for a good part of the game.
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:39
@Red Ranter: there were 2 times around the 55th minute where he plainly refused to pass to Nani and then refused to run into a position to receive a pass from him. Just because he doesn’t get the service doesn’t mean he has to stop playing altogether. There were many times where he was dispossessed and the ball was in his vicinity and he just stopped. Fine, you’ll say he’s not that type of player but even a bit of effort would’ve gone a long way. He is just not suited to the lone striker role imo and it’s unfortunate because he has the skill set that should suit him to that role…
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:44
@Grognard: Krasic will be a good signing, but one player I really like is Fiorentina’s left winger Vargas. Anyone seen him?
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:20
@Red Ranter: Berbatov reminded me of last season, a poor excuse for an attacking player. Moody and sulky and making no effort to put a stamp on the game.
If the ball didn’t land at his feet, he was without a clue. Dreadful performance and to think I was beginning to like his support play!
As for Nani. I guess if you give him a hundred opportunities to cross the ball acurately, 1 of them will finally find a United player. Dumb fuck that he is.
Good tactics by SAF, completely took them out the game with a 5 man MF and then push over the edge in the last 15min by adding a second striker.
Overall a shit attacking display, with way too many over-elaborate interplays, and extremely poor crossing/passing/delivery by the flanking players.
Decent at the back although Rio looked very uncomfortable at times.
And finally, phew! it’s so good to see VDS marshaling any dangerous ball!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:30
@Grognard: Berbatov really regressed in my opinion tonight. He had nothing to offer this team at all, and reminded me of what I thought last year – no sacrifice or team effort, just frustration that he didn’t get the ball accurately!!
This man just cannot be relied upon to lead us, our line, or perform in an autonomous fashion when needed!!
I’m shocked that you would try to support his display today!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:41
@Dan: Yeah, he wears street garb as well as woman’s clothing!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:51
Again a lack-luster away United CL performance. Really boring to watch…
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:58
@Redrich: Jeez mate, Rooney has been botching and whining like that all season. Berba has one game where he shows well justified frustration and you are ready to crucify him. Lets me fair to the Berbameister. He’s asked to score goals so when he gets into an ideal position and a useless ball is played to him, he has a right to fume. Because at the end of the day the media will say he had a quiet game and he doesn’t score enough. He can’t win.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:59
@Shami: You mean he would be a good signing. It’s not like United have shown any interest in him. They should though because he is quality.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:04
@Redrich: Sory mate but I get more frustrated and downright pised off at the useless support and service both he and Owen were getting. I have been upset about the lack of quality service all season in fact. The fact is Berba is playing great this season and has been found hanging around in the box in ideal scoring positions more and more only to be ignored. That was fine when Ronaldo ignored him because we knew Ronaldo could score on his own but the rest of the gang have no excuse. Nobody on this team other than Giggs can deliver a cross with pace. It’s either low and never reaches it’s target or too much of a lob and gets there too slow and with no pace or it is over everyone’s heads. Nani will deliver one once in a while but of late, even his delivery into the box has been pathetic (sorry Craig). Any striker worth his weight in gold relies on service, and frankly, neither Berba or Owen or even Rooney have been getting much of it.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:06
@Redrich: Actually I am shocked that you are so shocked by his display. I honestly never thought it was that bad considering the circumstances. And like I said earlier, I actually felt sorry for Berba because he was doing a lot of right things but the rest of the front line had their collective heads up their collective asses for 70 minutes.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:16
@Grognard: First of all, we’re not talking about Rooney here. We’re talking about the guy charged with the sole striking responsibilities of our team tonight.
In that role, he was absolutely pathetic!! Not just a little off, or making hard candy out of simple syrup, this guy just didn’t care about anything that was slightly out of this range. He was in the selfish “don’t make me look bad” mode that typified his whole last season.
The five man midfield was an excellent call – the CSV attack had no idea how to push us back. The problem for us was that we played the Berbatov preferred 4-5-1-0 formation.
He just simply rejected what we were trying to accomplish and played to the comfort of his own skills.
I’ve already said that I admire his individual abilities, and what they can, and sometimes do, offer the team. But this was a petulant display, that just offers a glimpe of how well we hated him last year!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:01
nani – terrible decision making – doesnt look where he’s crossing the ball
valencia – invisible man until last 20mins
anderson – invisible fat man – so ineffective this season – wasteful in possession
john o’shea – out of position most of the match – looks to be losing some of his ability to fill in midfield
fabio – read:darren anderton
sorry folks but that may be the worst team performance iv seen this year – so boring.
fair play we got the 3 points – and of course everyone is looking towards sunday but that performance against virtually any other team in the competition would have resulted in a loss
glad nev got a game – means we dont have to worry about him playing in any of the next 6 matches (unless he gets a run in the reserves-sorry- carling cup)
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:15
It’s funny how people bash Berba. One time, they say he doesn’t take efforts to get to the ball (when actually other team members fail to pass him the ball)… When he’s playing in mid(as SS) pulling the strings, they say he is never around or in the box…
And yes strikers should get the ball in their feet if they are in good position. People easily neglect the incident when Berba was open and unmarked in the box towards the end of the match, all (the-so-called-best-crosser) Nani had to do is cross the ball perfectly once to him. At one point I noticed team stopped passing ball Nani. Still, I think it was Nani who looked most dangerous and it speaks volumes about our performance. It’s funny and weird how players fail to pass the ball to him when he actually is in good position.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:22
I agree with general consensus on here about the match. It was boring, dreadful, snooze and almost made me have a nap after a very tiring day in the office. But, I would like to add somethings which came to my mind.
We went there with not to loose attitude and it served us well. We got more than what we set out get. We are comfortable in our group position and already have taken two of the toughest trips to Turkey and Russia out of the system. Top of the group and only team (if I am not wrong) to have 100% record at this stage of the competition. I think if we think this way then its not that bad is it???
I agree about the way we played was pathetic but think about the team we were forced to play due to Sunday Block buster. The conditions didn’t help. I mean that synthetic pitch did not have any pace what so ever. I mean there were so many instances players had to drag the ball out of there foot. Add to that the temperature which was close to 0 degrees. If consider all these things then you will feel much better about result if not about performance.
As far as individual performances,
NANI: The lad has quality but needs to work hard on his final ball the only lacking part of the game for me.
Fabio: He was great for me. Have great sense of attacking play but, his defending is lot to be desired of.
Berba: Frustrated figure. Moaning and Sulking (which I agree with to some extent) for the whole match untill owen came on. Got the assist to his credit.
Others were ok in there duties in my views did what was asked of them.
Valencia has to have mention. One of the better games. Good to see him score. Few good moments like hiting the post and all. The lad is certainly looking to hit more at goals to his credit. Looking good for him…..
Gaffer should be given credit that even with such a adverse circumstances weaken team he set out well and had guts to bring on Owen and try to win the tie. I think that move alone brought this deserve victory for. Fro me tactis (even though boring) were spot on.
I would like to ask one thing all,
When Chelsea plays a bad game and manage to win everyone rave about them and say its the mark of the CHAMPION and when we do the same thing we are lucky/undeserving/boring and what not. Why this discrimination????
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:36
@Redrich: Fair enough mate. I can’t say that I totally agree with you only because i interpreted his petulance differently. I actually felt for the guy where you were much more concerned about the team as a whole. Lets not forget that he is a striker and strikers only understand one thing, either scoring or creating goals. And when he wasn’t getting even a smidgen of service, I guess he blew a gasket and got all emotional. Fergie’s tactics often do that to our star. I’ve seen Cantona, RVN, Yorke, Rooney and especially Ronaldo act as badly at different times and all due to the 4-5-1. Ronaldo and Rooney have been especially bad when whining over that formation. I’d let it go mate because he hasn’t made a habit of acting like that. If he does it more and more, then perhaps there is a problem that needs to be dealt with. Until then, I’d give him a get out of jail free card for this game. Remember, he’s Bulgarian and all Bulgarian’s have a long memory of the horrors of life under communism and would like nothing more than to teach Russians a lesson, especially in Moscow.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:37
@redpenguin: Sorry mate but that performance was pretty efficient but boring. They gave CSK nothing in terms of good chances and were composed throughout. I’d say the game at Burnley was the worst by far and then followed by last weeks stinker vs Sunderland.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:20
@AndyCR7: Agreed with your sentiments 100% mate. Thats precisely what I call as “SOFT TARGET”. If you are not happy with overall team performance and you are frustrated at the way Team Plays. And if you want to vent out your frustration then come on to the rant side and pick your SOFT TARGET and start the game of bashing. Thats all what happens with the poor fella. I mean people easily forget that he has been our one the best if not the best player in this season. But, still one relatively bad game in which (he had an assists for the only goal scored in the game) and people are on his back bashing him left, right and center. I am very keen Berba supporter since even before he joined us and followed him a lot since his days in Germany but, I just don’t come defend him here as I am just tired of all this Berba bashing.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:24
@Grognard: 100% agreed with all your sentiment about BERBA…. I just love it when people say nice things about him….
Berba….Mi Man….
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:28
@Grognard: Absolutely bro.. Thats what I called as Efficient display by the Champions (Debatable but still….)…
Like I said before, If Chelsea would play this way and win it then they are Its a sign of champion.. Efficient as ever and when we play it this way we are frustrating/ snooze brand/ Nati football/ boring/ pathetic and what not…
Such hypocrisy amd double standards…
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:34
@redpenguin: don’t be daft, did you watch the burnley game? Nani and Valencia were constantly used to push forward with balls down the wing, sure some of the crosses were poor, but Gary Neville looked almost back to his best putting some brilliant crosses in, and Nani would have scored if it wasn’t for the athleticism of their goalkeeper. Personally i think your crazy to say this was “the worst team performance iv seen this year” especially since we won the game, rather than lost it, or drew it (see ridiculous performance vs Sunderland)
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:58
Fact is that the way we play in Europe and especially in away games just doesn’t suit Berbatov at all. It is not his fault but no-one can deny that Berbatov has been very average for us in Europe both this season and last season.
Players like Rooney and Ronaldo can do a half decent job playing on their own up front because their movement is good, they have pace and are quite capable of occupying two defenders. Berbatov is too static and really needs someone besides him to create space for him to operate. Yes our wingers do not have the best end product but then again Berbatov isn’t exactly a force to be reckoned with in the air. To get the most out of Berbatov we really need to play through the middle but the only midfielder we have capable of a through ball is Giggs who cannot play week in week out at his age.
But we are a counter attacking team in Europe and our best performances such as Arsenal last season and Inter last season came from lighting fast counter attacks. We are not pass masters like Barcelona. We should play to our strengths and that is fast, direct, counter attacking football. While it is tempting to build our team around Berbatov, Rooney is the jewel in our crown. Even before Ronaldo became a big game player I remember Rooney’s performances in the 2007 season against Roma (away) and Milan (home). We need to coax those sort of performances out of him.
Really it is very very frustrating and I have to admit I rarely bother watching United play in Europe during the group stages. This year I fear even the knockout stages will be a snoozefest because without Ronaldo we’ll just have to watch our players defend for 90 minutes and hope we sneak a goal.
Anyway good result and all we have to do is beat CSKA at home and we can relax and blood a few youngsters in Europe. After all Barcelona lost to Russian outfit! So beating a Russian team is no mean feat especially as we were in control the whole game. I hate our European tactics but then I remember the days when we always struggled to negotiate the group stages. Now it is a breeze for us and we actually win games away from home!
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:40
@colver: I largely agree with you but one point here… I think there is whole lot of difference in defending and controlling. I agree that many time we end up defending the game. But then, yesterday for me was not defending it was more of controlling the game. We controlled it for the whole match. And when we wanted to up the tempo we send in the additional striker and got the goal for it.
I think you yourself summed up the whole thing in your last point. I mean we atleast no longer loose to team like Maccabi Haifa and all.. Isn’t it???
October 22nd, 2009 at 13:09
Manchester United target Igor Akinfeev and Sir Alex Ferguson share Moscow love affair
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1222173/Manchester-United-target-Igor-Akinfeev-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-share-Moscow-love-affair.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0UfMlEb6I
Looks like the Russian international has just issued a Come and get me plea indirectly….. Looks interesting……Winter break may be!!!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 13:28
@Onkar: What happens or does not happen in the transfer market is immaterial, but that article has nothing in it to suggest we are interested — except for the headline. it’s classic tabloid tactics.
October 22nd, 2009 at 13:31
@Red Ranter: Yeah…. I know… But i did not state in my comment that my comment that we are interested in him…. But, I said looks like he is wanting us to buy him… Thats largely different….
October 22nd, 2009 at 13:33
@Red Ranter: BTW in the wake of Liverpool match can you do one things RR that Can you arrange for the Preview for the Liverpool game little early… So that we all can have little bit of fun and have a lot of dig at DIPPERS…..
October 22nd, 2009 at 13:36
@Red Ranter: One thing is sure bro…. Whatever happens in transfer Market is definitely not immaterial it has long and material impact on almost all the team and league as a whole.. So no one say that whatever happens in transfer market is immaterial.. I strongly disagree……
October 22nd, 2009 at 14:07
@Onkar: Eh? When did I say the transfer market does not matter? What I was saying is that article has nothing to do with our interest in Akinfeev. They were routine post match interviews with mountains made out of very ordinary, innocuous quotes. It has no bearing on our interest or non-interest in Akinfeev. That’s what I meant by ‘immaterial’. Of course the transfer market matters in absolute terms!
October 22nd, 2009 at 14:08
@Onkar: Nothing is stopping you from having digs at Liverpool fans whenever you want. You don’t need a placeholder article from me for that.
October 22nd, 2009 at 14:11
@Onkar: Also saying United are a great team is something 99% of players will say in Europe. You ask him about Real/Barcelona/Milan he will say the same. It’s just that since he’s in the news lately it leads you to believe otherwise. You ask any CSKA player he will say something similar. The Daily Mail and the other rags will do this, and we’ll have to learn to treat these things with a pinch of salt. Believe things when they actually happen.
October 22nd, 2009 at 16:15
Alot of you guys are already writing off the Liverpool game as a forgone conclusion when it really isn’t. Liverpool are a wounded animal right now being backed into a corner. The game is at anfield and they desperately need a result.
I remember last season when arsenal were looking shaky and we went to the emirates where fergie was looking for the kill. Nasri had a brace and we were left with a late Raphael consolation goal.
I’m not saying we can’t go there and get all three points, i’m just saying your fooling yourself if you think Liverpool are just gonna roll over and die.
October 22nd, 2009 at 16:18
@Grognard: The Russian league is only in the Pc version and the ps2 version of FIFA 10. Ea excuse is that they secured the license to late to put it in the game. I think they should atleast offer the Russian league as a download just like the bernabeu
October 22nd, 2009 at 18:59
@Onkar: The problem is that Fergie over his great tenure with the club has set a very high benchmark to follow. He also has been true to his beliefs and for twenty years the club has not only won, but won with style. Now over the past couple of seasons he has taken the club on a different journey using tactics and systems of play that are not pleasing to the eye but that have also proven successful (if we exclude a certain night in Rome last May). Frankly he has spoilt the lot of us and often I feel myself as acting like a typical member of ancient Roman senate always booing Caesar and giving him the thumbs down because instead of lavishing us with more gold and riches, he has decided to ration us a bit more and our greed cannot handle this. And we all know what happened to Julius Caesar don’t we?
October 22nd, 2009 at 19:00
@colver: Good point and that is also why Berbatov has not started many European games, especially away. He is not suited for the defensive and cautious approach.
October 22nd, 2009 at 19:13
Hey folks. I’m going to have to miss the Liverpool game this Sunday, and since I live in a (sad, sad) world without DVR/Tivo, I don’t think that I can record it. Does anyone know of any online tape-delayed options?
This is a bit of a shot in the dark, but any help would be much appreciated!
October 22nd, 2009 at 19:19
@Johnsom33: What a joke. Well I hope that means it will be in next year’s game. At least I finally figured out how to go to practice mode. Damn thing should be available in the main menu, not hidden. Game is great though and I love playing in winter snow conditions. Much tougher to score due to great goalkeeping by every bloody keeper. I haven’t played Foster but even he would be like Casillas in this game I think. Just had a breakout game with Brazil at the World Class setting. Man if they are this good in real life they will win the World Cup in a trot. I beat Uruguay 7-0 and it was 6-0 before halftime with Fabiano scoring a hattrick. Sure it’s just a video game but it was impressive how good they are even in that arena. Also, nice to see EA finally secure the license for the Dutch national team. Played them against France and beat the frogs 3-0 with my boy Huntelaar up front scoring one and assisting on another. I’m finding it hard to score with United but not with other teams. Weird. Took Ronny and Madrid to the Nou Camp and thumped Barca 3-1 with Ronny scoring twice and messi doing sweet frak all as I put Diarra on his sorry ass and neutralized him all game. So officially that makes me right, Ronaldo is the best.
And finally kudos to EA for finally fixing their free kick engine as now I can score free kicks regularly as I used to find it impossible. In a half dozen or so games I have had Ballack, Diego, Misimovic and Ronaldo score great free kick goals. In the past no matter how good I was with the game, it would take me a hundred games to score that many free kicks. I just could never figure it out. Thank God for small mercies.
Overall the game is a big improvement as the flow of the game, the defenders reactions and the goalkeeping is improved as well, I like to see minnows use their realistic park the bus tactics like Stoke used against United. I only won 1-0 but had peppered them with 25 shots to their 1. Man i am addicted to this bloody game. At 50 years old I should frakken grow up but gaming has been part of my life since way back before PC were in existence. Back then I used to play sports simulation games based on stats using charts and player cards for games like baseball and US football and so this kind of thing has been a passion of mine for 40 years. At least FIFA is working really hard to be more and more realistic every year. Sorry to all if I am boring you with my FIFA 10 adventures.
October 22nd, 2009 at 19:21
This Magnum Eikrem kid is a wonderful free-kick taker… this is the second one i’ve seen him score so far and they are just splendid
reminiscent of hargreaves’ goal against arsenal 
.. Eddy, you played against him in Norway by any chance??
October 22nd, 2009 at 19:23
@Jim: Mate all you have to do is go join (it’s free) the Maxxed Football Forum at http://www.fbtz.com/forum/
Once you have joined they have links to members who offer nearly every game played for download including classic matches of the past. I mean there are thousands of games available. I have well over 200 hundred games I have downloaded and burned onto DVD that I got from there. I guarantee you the liverpool game will be there on Monday.
October 22nd, 2009 at 19:25
@Gabriel: heres a good MUTV link…for the game going on right now between united reserves and blackburn reserves
October 22nd, 2009 at 19:29
@t_reason: yeah, I’m watchin it… thnx tho
btw, Fergie’s in the stands, probably watching Obertan play; and he does have quick feet I have to say 
October 22nd, 2009 at 20:26
@Gabriel: Doubt it mate. I may have done that one day, but wouldnt remember him. Ive played lots of talented players before, so hard to say… He comes from a different part of Norway than me, but Ive played against and with Josh King before, we are good mates.
Dont keep in touch as often before, but he is practically best mates with my teammate so Ive talked to him a few times.
October 22nd, 2009 at 20:40
@Grognard: Well mate, you will get used to the new style of play in the game. I had major difficulties managing to win at legendary the first weeks, the game was just too different. My mates who sucked at FIFA 09 beat the fuck out of me in this game, annoyed me. Couldnt fucking believe it! But now I wipe my ass with them, just had to get used to the shot and movement tecniques.
As for the practice arena, you have to press the “back” button when you are in the arena with you player. Its mint to create your own set pieces, even though I find it funnier to just shoot whenever I have the chance.
Got some tips from my “sources”, and tried some of those tips out. Apparantley every free kick which is shot right under the crossbar is impossible for the goalkeeper to save. Even if it is shot from 40 yards, without a wall. But you need the “special dip” type of shot, which I always use on free kicks.
The russian league is not in the Xbox or PS3 games, EA didnt have time to include them. They are only in PC and PS2 type games. As for the goalkeeping, its different. Sometimes the worst goalies make Schmeicel type saves, but often they fuck up massivly! They have a terrible leap, and often its easy to score goals on them from long range as they are very far out of their goal when you have the ball on more than 20 yards. I tell ya, Ive scored some real screamers on this game!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 20:41
@Footy4Eddy: too bad mate, cause that Eikrem kid looks a star in the making
… btw, the standout players in the game tonight have been Obertan, Da Leat, Eikrem and Brandy… Obertan and Da Leat clearly light years above the rest 
October 22nd, 2009 at 20:47
@Gabriel: Is Pogba playing? Ive really taken a liking of the kid…
October 22nd, 2009 at 20:49
@Footy4Eddy: nope… but Joshua King played.. the kid has good pace, control and a good eye for goal, must have given you a torrid time in defence, eh?
btw, Tosic just scored a screamer; he is tiny tho 
October 22nd, 2009 at 20:57
@Gabriel: Tosic also looked good…ya i agree that De Leat and Obertan where on a level above the rest…i think Ekriem and Matt James showed some real promise…
October 22nd, 2009 at 21:05
@RMJ: yeah, Tosic was good, Matt James too; had a keen eye for a killer thru pass. Haven’t really seen an improvement in Tosic’s game tho, that is why I didn’t mention him earlier. Although, playing games for the reserves isn’t gonna be much help.
Obertan and Da Leat on the other hand, don’t belong at that level; they definitely deserve a chance in our Carling Cup game against Barnley, both intelligent players, with quick feet and the ability to play penetrating 1-2 football; a deadly combination on the wings.
October 22nd, 2009 at 21:21
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLBPurJV05U
October 22nd, 2009 at 22:47
I don’t think Berba was poor. The service was not reaching him. Sometimes ppl just watch football narrowly. Anderson provided nothing for him and at best Nani’s service was full of half chances. The formation meant he was totally reliant on supply. And the opposition was pressing us back very well which meant none of the midfielders could really take charge upfront which is a minus for them. Poor show by Anderson in supporting Berbatov esp in the 1st half. I thought he was great in everything else esp his visionary crossfield balls to both Fabio and Nani and his ball retention. But his support to the lone striker was woeful. Fabio in my opinion played quite well and though he was caught out a number of times and his ability in the air is totally non-existant. Scholes did his job well and showed he still has it and will no doubt be very important in the future. Captain G was okay and played reasonably well but I think going forward his opposite number did better with Nani. Rio was solid, Vidic looked nervous on several occasions with a number of atrocious clearance attempts. O.Shea was not very visible which is good in a way. Brown should begin to start games that’s all I can say about him. But for me Man of the Match was hands down Antonio Valencia. On both sides. He was a real live wire and his pace was unbearable for the full back. Given that he wasn’t getting much support from Gary really and still tracked back and went forward with ferocity, that impressed me. His goal was a cracker and clinical from an impossible angle. First time shot. The right wing is surely his now. Fantastic crosses and the shot that rattled the bar, the keeper didn’t even move. I’ve always been an advocate of giving players a chance and clearly it is a rewarding principle. The manager most times I’d give him credit for believing in players even though he sometimes uses them wrongly. We should all do that. Imagine if he had decided to follow some ppl’s narrow minded opinions like sell Berbatov and more recently Carrick. Bring in so and so. Fantasy football galore. Nani is the subject of much debate and many consider him a waste and with zero potential. The amnesia is amazing. Ronaldo was equally as frustrating and inconsistent until 2006. The way Berbatov is being frustrated is the same way Ruud was with Ronaldo. But no, Nani should be sold. Anderson is also the recipient of much criticism and he is a flop with no brains. And yet we ALL thought Fletcher was a real big waste of space like the much maligned Park Ji Sung. Now Roy Keane must be eating humble pie with the rest of us. And I’d want to see how many of us would want to trade Fletcherino for Daniele de Rossi today as we did back then. Everyone wants David Silva to take the “headless chicken” Anderson’s place. Some don’t even know these players but because The Telegraph has linked us with him they jump on the wagon. Don’t get me wrong I watch him and he is a great midfielder and very versatile who contrary to popular belief doesn’t score very often at all. So if you’re looking for a goalscoring midfielder you’re looking at the wrong man. But my point is why not give Anderson a chance. He has shown considerable improvement with every game and yet all that everyone is waiting for is the negatives. I’m grateful that none of the narrow minded views and opinions are decisive or taken seriously. Else by now Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes among others would have been disposed off bringing in some expensive superstars and killing our philosophy of faith in young talent. We’d have become a red clone of Chelsea
October 22nd, 2009 at 22:52
@Footy4Eddy: How do you perform the special Ronaldo style dip free kick? When I score Free kicks it’s usually with a Riquelme style curve around the wall. I never seem to be able to get the ball over a wall and hit it hard and low enough to get it by a keeper and when I do clear the wall, I tend to clear the crossbar too. I’d love to know how to dip the ball.
I’ve scored some real screamers from far out as well. Ronaldo hit one against Barca from 35 yards out nice low and hard into the corner. I also like the improved control on finesse shots and lobs. I now can score with lobs over a keeper with much greater ease. Rooney scored a beauty against Bolton for me and so did Berba.
The movement is much more realistic and I like the way wingers can get by a defender better if they have the position on them. Still need to get used to crosses and especially corners as they are a lot harder to control but look far more realistic and have a lot more movement to them.
I did finally find the Practice Arena. Stupid design as it should be offered in the menu section instead of having to press the back button in the arena. Totally pissed off that Serbia is not in the game. One of the better teams in Europe with a lot of great players and they aren’t in. Bloody pisses me off that I cannot buy a player like Milos Krasic for United because he doesn’t exist. This is just unforgivable by FIFA that they would have so many useless and lame leagues like the Polish, Czech, Finnish and Swiss Leagues but Serbia’s national team as well as most of the national teams from South America like Chile, Venezuela, Bolivia etc are not included. And the Greek league that has quite a few teams that do well in Europe is only represented by a few teams when the whole league should be available.
The editing tool is still a joke and I have no interest in creating a Virtual Pro if the game will not allow me to make him a God right from the start. I paid for the game and therefore I do not feel I have to pay penance and develop my player over many games. I’m an adult and I would like to be treated like one and not spoon fed and rationed. I really hate EA for this sign of incredible disrespect to their customers. Hell if I want to cheat and elevate every player on United to 99, I should be allowed to. I wouldn’t do it but still, I like the freedom to be able to do whatever I want with players and teams. The bozo’s at EA just don’t get it.
October 22nd, 2009 at 23:16
How fortunate for you guys who have been watching the reserves lately. I’ve missed the last 3 reserves games and so I haven’t seen Obertan play. There has been a lot of noise about Eikrem and he is apparently very promising. Anyone with substantial info on him please let me know what you know. And on Obertan, has he shown enough to warrant a try out in the 1st team and what are his strengths? I missed very few reserves games last season but this term it’s been unfortunate. But last term, one Matt James was a standout steady midfielder. I thought he was at least a street ahead of Gibson. I think none of the 1st teamers should play in the League Cup to allow the De Laets, the Fabios, the James and the Ekreims and esp Wellbeck and Macheda to play. Noone above the age of 25 should be involved. I mean these kids need a chance to shine. Esp against these low quality teams.
October 23rd, 2009 at 0:35
@Gabriel: Tosic is a bit slow and tad under-strength as he is now for a winger to play in the premier league..its one of the reasons why i am not on Grog’s David Silva bandwagon..but Obertan and de Leat look ready to make their first team starts..now if there was only a way o have gary nevile assassinated on the cheap
..i think James and Ekriem merits a chance in one of the cups..btw what has happened to Possebon?
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:29
@Jay wire: Watch the game again, and you will see how poor he was. The reason the ball wasn’t reaching him was partly poor service, but mainly because he didn’t make the effort to make any wayward ball his own!!
If it wasn’t put right on his foot, it was a lost possession!! The fact that it’s not his strength to play as a lone striker, is beside the point, there comes a time in the course of the season when you just have to play out of the comfort zone and do what is necessary for the team.
He just chose the petulant path, displaying annoyance and consternation that his peons didn’t serve HRH with the proper vittles.
His whole display stank of what was so, so wrong with him last season, and I’m sure one that will make his servants think twice about putting a ball in his general direction in the future!
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:53
@Grognard: Wow, thanks Grog! I’ll check it out.
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:43
@Red Ranter:
This is what you have commented which for my understanding simply means that “transfer market is immaterial”…
It was all what you said mate… I did not put anything out of my own pocket….
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:45
@Grognard: I will check that link too… If that link would help me it will be heavenly…. Thanks a lot matey…
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:56
@Redrich: I’m glad to see no one is joining you on your ridiculous crusade to bash berba. It’s fine to feel frustrated by the performance on wednesday but your aiming your cannons at the wrong target. You seem to me like a person who just hates berba, I can confidently say you don’t like him. If you can find fault with him just because he refused to run after a wayward pass then there is no helping you. I remember king cantona’s words directed at the media and I’m going to quote them and apply them to you
You watch the game and wait for the moment that berba will do something that you think justifies crucifying and you come on here and expect us to join you in your bashing. When a so called professional player can’t even provide an accurate pass let alone a decent one you seem to point fingers at the recipient instead of accusing the professional.
You seem to say that rooney does well alone upfront, you seem to forget the first night away in the CL when he was alone upfront and was as effective as a woman F1 driver. He was very frustrated upfront and even threw a tantrum when subbed, but that seemed to escape you didn’t it redrich. In his last 5 games,I watched as rooney botched our efforts, played terribly and shouted the heads off at our midfield for not giving him the ball, yet I never once heard you say that rooney was terrible. But yes, lets all castigate berba for his excellent play when he is given the ball, frustration when the ball isn’t delivered to him and his lack off enterprise in running after wayward balls, after all rooney has great control,superd passing skills, creates excellent chances to fellow forwards and is never angry at his fellow team mates, all he does is calmly tell them to do better next time.
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:57
@spizzy: Thumbs up bro….
Great response… 100% with you on Berba things…… 
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:29
@spizzy: excatly what i was going to tell redrich, I mean, 4-5-1 needs midfielders to give the lone front man service, or redrich expected berba to run back, get the ball, create a chance for himself then score. Some people are hard very hard to please.
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:11
@Onkar: @Man Utd Jaluo: Fergie’s tactics in europe are a tad frustrating, I don’t know if you guyz saw it but when owen came on we basically increased our opportunities a hundred fold. Fergie is very cautious in Europe, which is quite annoying especially when he chooses to cower and put up a defensive approach against minnow teams. It’s quite understandable to do that against barca but not that russian team. His defensive approach will take us far,maybe even to the final but when we finally loose, it will be a very big heartbreak for us. It’s one thing to loose when you know you gave your all, but to loose when your forced to play anti football is hurtful beyond belief. When you know your a dangerous side going forward and just a bit of adventure and risk will probably get you a win.It happened last year in the final, that’s why most players were gutted in the end, because they knew they could do better and us fans felt totally devastated because we knew united were better than that performance.
October 23rd, 2009 at 13:05
@spizzy: I agree to an extent what you said. But, as far as Russian affair is concerned I would like to give Gaffer benefit of the doubt precisely for the point you have mentioned. Owen’s Introduction in Last 20 mins. I mean we all knew that a point would have been a good result as well. But still he might have sensed our domination and went for attacking change and that yielded the desired result a GOAL. I won’t be unppy if Man UTD is ready do this that control the game for 70 mins wore the opponent down in there own back yard and then throw in the attacker to finish the game of. And I think Owen is the best weapon we have to do this. But, I seriously have a problem if…
1. He will employ such tactis in Home matches
2. If he gets the lead and then he goes other way around and try and defend the lead…
But other than these two things I have no problem with system of play irrespective of opponent.
October 23rd, 2009 at 14:41
Hope this is just mind play, all the rags have it that Rooney and Fletcher may not play on sunday. Its even on the official site. Fingrs crosssed.
Nev says we’d rather lose to lpool but win the title, I say we’d rather beat/batter/whip lpool and win the title. Am crying for revenge, honestly the double they did against us last season was too much to bear.
October 23rd, 2009 at 15:33
I demand vendetta!
October 23rd, 2009 at 16:50
First thing is first, if any of you studied that game, you would have felt absolutely sorry for berba. He worked his socks off and was surrounded by players with low football IQ. He actually did all he could do. I was excited by the prospect of watching ando in his natural position and was thoroughly disappointed.he needs consistency in his natural position, with at least one forward with natural instinctive off the ball movement, that could feed of berba as well. That’s why rooney berba will never be prolific, both are creative players that like the ball played to feet. We have become boring and predictable. Never the hot knife through butter through ball, always the go to thw wing and cross. Oh and blame the crossers, never the strikers who have poor movement, and are always lingering, never anticipating. I still maintain, nani and anderson should start every match with carrick and fletcher in middle and any two upfront. Or else those two will loose what little confidence they have left. Let’s bring the giggs and the scholes in the second half should the other two be ineffective. Do that for 7-10 games and let’s see how it pans out.
October 23rd, 2009 at 17:06
Any place where I could see the highlights of the reserve game against blackburn?
October 23rd, 2009 at 18:47
@spizzy: In defense of Redrich, he is always very fair with his criticisms. He may or may not like certain players but he does not have a habit of pounding on them due to an intense dislike. People often criticize me of this and yet, I too am just calling things as I see it. To me Ben Foster is total crap but that isn’t because I have some kind of vendetta against Ben or because I dislike him intensely as a person. I just don’t think he is a very good goalkeeper. Redrich must feel the same about Berba and although I disagree with him, I respect his opinion and always respect his fairness and honesty. Lets face it, we cannot all agree on everything and above all, we all see the game differently on many different levels.
October 23rd, 2009 at 18:55
@Man Utd Jaluo: Redrich was mostly upset by Berba’s body language and what looked like and extremely increasing case of frustration that looked to him that he wasn’t trying on balls that were not perfectly placed for him. I don’t agree with him on this but it’s a fair observation because Berba was pissed off and very frustrated over the muppet like service he was getting. We all need to remember that Berba has a lot of pressure on him because he is not scoring a lot of goals and so placing him up front all alone like a sacrifice to King Kong without giving him the kind of service he requires to succeed under those conditions probably payed with the man’s insecurities and paranoia took over. I’m sure at the end of the game he was worried whether he would be blamed again for a poor game when in his heart he felt like his teammates were letting him down. This is undue pressure that’s not coming down on him from the Boss but from the media who constantly whine about his lack of goal scoring. I know he is very happy and very humble to be with United but at the same time he wonders if he will ever have midfield teammates who can ever get him the ball on a consistent basis.
October 23rd, 2009 at 18:57
@Onkar: And I explained in a follow up comment what I meant by immaterial. Immaterial not in absolute terms, but in the context of the Daily Mail article.
In case you didn’t follow what I meant to convey, all I was trying to say was whether or not we buy Akinfeev, that article has no bearing on it.
October 23rd, 2009 at 18:58
@spizzy: I didn’t agree with Redrich on the Berbatov assessment, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have a vendetta against him. He was actually warming up to him prior to the game. I think you should do a little homework on your fellow commenters before throwing allegations at them.
October 23rd, 2009 at 18:59
@one united: OK I am one who felt very sorry for Berba but on this one I have to side more with Redrich. He did not work his socks off. Quite often he was found loping around and his frustration with the lack of quality service did effect his willingness to go all out on some balls. Balls that had he gone all out for, he still wouldn’t have gotten to. He’s not lazy like many think, but he is also not one to use up excess energy on a forlorn hope either, and that is probably what makes many folks not take to him. He’s not one for the blue collar crowd. He’s an acquired taste and an expensive taste like caviar.
October 23rd, 2009 at 19:02
@Red Ranter: Well said mate. Redrich is probably one of the wisest if not wisest members on this blog and always a voice of calm and reason. So if he gets upset with a game or a player, he usually is quite justified, but very fair. I don’t happen to agree with him on Berba this time although I can see his point to an extent. I just prefer to throw most of the blame on those who did not deliver the balls to him properly.
October 23rd, 2009 at 19:36
Berbatov is class for me he is the Anti-Tevez (Anti-Carlosist), he is a United player anyone who thinks differently does not understand the culture of the club.
October 23rd, 2009 at 20:11
I think the main issues are ppl watching a player’s performance and narrowing down to that player without looking at surrounding circumstances. As I said earlier, Berba’s role was completely reliant on service and support. You pass to him and you move into good positions for him to pass the ball back. The service however was non-existant and at best poor. I like Nani, and I defend him, but to say he delivering good crosses throughout the game is incorrect. A good cross is not one that is blocked on it’s way to the target. It has to reach the player or at least somewhere close to the player where they can actually try to do something with it. There were absolutely no crosses to reach Berba in the 1st half. From both flanks. It is not correct to suggest that he should have intercepted lost causes. That’s how players are fouled. And it’s unnecessary and you’ll be unsuccessful. As I saw it and I’m convinced most will agree with me, we played through the wingers. O’Shea would pass the ball to either of Scholes or Anderson, who almost always proceeded to pass to the wingers, with admittedly excellent crosses that always fell behind the fullbacks. The wingers did try to play Berba in the box but their crosses were not great. Esp Nani’s. He got the assist(kinda) to his credit but his final ball was poor in most plays. But besides that, both he and Tony along with Fabio and Krasic were the most exciting players to watch. Which should be a big plus and it is. Just hope he gets some part to play on Sunday. If Anderson starts on Sunday I’d be most happy because that means the boss is beginning to see him as an important part of our campaign. It would do his confidence wonders. But it isn’t the most probable thing to happen, neither is it the wisest for the game on Sunday. But I’ve seen he is gaining some confidence in his game and is improving with every game.
October 23rd, 2009 at 21:18
@Stephen: Ji-sung Park is not a class player, and he is a United player. And you don’t have to understand the culture of the club to figure that out. Knowing or not knowing the club’s culture has nothing to do with objectively analysing the quality of a player.
October 23rd, 2009 at 22:05
Was just passing by…
So how is everyone?
And Seriously….
I’m just gunning for Sunday…
Will have a huge gathering at my place….
The last time that happened was at United’s defeat to Arsenal due to the Nasri Double….
Hoping for better pastures!
October 23rd, 2009 at 22:20
@Red Ranter: And that is why many of us question why Fucking Sticks is a United player in the first place!
October 23rd, 2009 at 23:09
@Onkar: That site is amazing, I think it’s going to change my life. You’re the man, Grog.
October 23rd, 2009 at 23:09
can we get some sot of Liverpool preview page? It’s only like… you know…. the biggest game of the season so far and everything
October 23rd, 2009 at 23:14
@Traverse: Patience is a virtue, sir.
The draft’s ready. Will be up as soon as I get off work.
October 23rd, 2009 at 23:20
@Stephen: If you dont get Berbatov, you dont get football…
October 24th, 2009 at 0:45
cant believe some united fans to be honest, that we play boring football away in europe. i think the manager has it spot on, or should we just go back to the days of 99 when it was just all out attack. WAKE UP people. two finals in 2 years playing the way the manager is playing now. it took him years to figure out that this is a sensible tactic away from home and its working. alright it wont be as effincent now we dont have ronaldos pace, but stop your moaning, we have to keep it tight away from home and then hopefully sneak one. two 1nil wins away from home, thats good in my book. playing an open game i remember losing a fair few games away from home. so if ya”s dont like it flick over and watch chelsea playing, it wont be long before you”s are flicking back. MUFC, bring on the scum.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:12
@spizzy: My opinion of Berbatov’s performance is based on what I saw and how I rated him based on the role he was asked perform.
I disagree, somewhat, with the argument that he was solely a victim of poor service and I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I generally hold a player much more accountable for his own success that do a lot of you.
He was placed in a very thankless task, that of a sole striker playing away in the CL. Difficult, even for the very best, to perform to the high level expected form us all, but what you have to expect is a high level of commitment to do what is seemingly an impossible job.
I have no interest at all in a personal vendetta against Berbatov (or any other player on the United squad) and the very last thing on my mind is to create an anti-Berbatov movement. On the contrary I’ve become to appreciate his skills and, on several occasions this season, been absolutely thrilled by some of his play.
However a broader understanding of my opinion will reveal that I believe the Rooney/Berbatov pairing has, so far, proven to be a colossal mismatch. Neither player finding anything in their current skill-set that could act as a catalytic advantage to the other.
The key would be for one, the other or both to work toward a symbiotic partnership that would help both the team and them as individual players.
So in more ways than one I found Berbatov’s game on Wednesday very disconcerting.
His performance based on the role he was asked to perform, was way below United standards, his growth as a United player and as a team member was to say the least regressive and the petulance of his display was very worrying considering the amount of give and take a healthy relationship with Rooney will take!!
October 24th, 2009 at 1:14
@Red Ranter: Really?. I just assumed that Park and Foster were going to be up for the Balon D’Or. Such class, skill and quality is hard to define and they both truly define what today’s club culture is all about. It’s to Hell with the artist and hello to the no talent workaholic.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:15
@Grognard:@Red Ranter:
Thanks for the kind words in my absence, guys.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:18
@Jim: I am happy to help mate. I too was in Heaven there for a few months as I scoured their forum for old World Cup games and anything I could find with old Bayern Munich and West Germany as well as games with George Best and Cantona. Sometimes the download speed or efficiency of some of these providers will get on your nerves but most of the time, it’s great to download a game and either watch it on your computer or do what I do, which is burn it on to DVD and add it to my collection of must have games.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:22
@Redrich: My pleasure Red. You earned it as you are the man around here in my book and certainly have been friendly, fair to me with plenty of words of wisdom that has helped keep my passion and temper in check more than once. You deserve to be heard and respected. Just sorry I couldn’t quite agree with you on Berba, but that also may have to do with my bias as I love the guy and his style of play for me is an a acquired taste that’s not for everyone. Anyway, cheers mate.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:42
@Redrich: Totally agree with you on the Rooney-Berbatov partnership. Like oil and water mate. Too be honest, I am shocked when i think back that he did well with Robbie Keane but it’s because Keane was always willing to stick to his area and not try to be everything to everybody like Rooney is very prone to do. But also, as much as the partnership does not work, the tactics used by Fergie also do not suit Berba well. Add to that that he needs a midfield general who constantly looks for him and delivers him the ball and you have just what Berba is looking for.
I remember a time when I was a young adult playing basketball for a city league team and having to cope with a coach who continually misused me and played me out of my natural comfort zone at center. Always top of the key where I was not as good and too far away from being able to get to rebounds and too far away from the corners where I could use my outside shot. I struggled to fit in and although we did well as a team, we never won the championship. This went on for two years until the coach quit and I actually got the job as playing coach. Well I changed everything selfishly to allow mw to fullfill my destiny but you know what, I got away with it. Not only did my offensive scoring and defensive shot blocking and rebounding improve, but we won that elusive championship for two straight years until I quit, due to work demands and my ball and chain (aka woman). I bring this up to show how the misuse of a talented player can severely hurt the potential of a club. With me playing down lower my scoring went up about 15 points a game but the teams offense increased by over 12 points a game and defensively we improved by a dozen points less allowed per game too. For me it was a sin to misuse the center on a basketball team. The position is a dominating position and for him to constantly use me in areas where I could not properly input my skill set into a game was wrong and criminal.
Anyway, it was a moment of great satisfaction for me to prove him wrong and to succeed based on my own opinion on how I should be used and how the team should play. I also forced the team to play more fast break style and that was easier to do now that I could get a rebound and quickly give an outlet pass to start it. So the moral to my story is that coaches sometimes do not understand or have a clue on how to bring the best out in a player and thus briing out the best in a team. They are to stuck and too rigid in their own game plans and tactics to understand how these tactics interpret themselves to each player in the squad. In Berba’s case, Fergie has made major mistakes and he has even admitted them. Yet he continues to sacrifice the lad game after game despite admitting that last year he played him in the wrong manner. I don’t get the man some times.
October 24th, 2009 at 2:07
goals of manchester united reserve vs blackburn reserve
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as4Xlnv9N4Q&feature=player_embedded#
October 24th, 2009 at 2:24
@Grognard: I just worry that the team as a whole, is not built for Berbatovs “speed”. His style of play is contrary to the efforts being made in the formation of this team.
The whole approach of the offense over the last 2 seasons have left me often exasperated with frustration.
1/. Why play with 2 wingers when we don’t have anyone in the box to latch on to their efforts!!
2/. Why tie Rooney to a high striker role, when for his whole career, he’s been the most dangerous when poaching the scraps?
3/. Why pair Rooney with Berbatov in the first place?, neither one of them wants the role they’re being asked to play.
It seems inevitable that at some point SAF will create a drama and one or the other will be on the outs!
This time, though, it’s plain to see what is what. SAF has created his own striking nightmare!!
October 24th, 2009 at 2:57
@Grognard: As corny as it sounds, I just like to call it as I see it! Don’t have an agenda, and very few prejudices.
What a lot of posters don’t understand is that things said here are just our opinions. Sometimes it’s a popular one and sometimes not. Nothing said is gospel or written in stone!! Except, of course, that Foster has a hard time catching a cold!!
October 24th, 2009 at 4:13
@Redrich: Well in terms of speed the only team that is truly suitable for Berba’s pace is in the Special Olympics side for Bulgaria.
Now having said that, I find that United does not utilize their speed and Fergie prefers to play ball control have them all stand around like statues at the Pantheon in Rome. What good is speed if you don’t use it and as far as having wingers to cross the ball, first of all their crosses need to get anywhere near the target before we can start blaming the target for screwing up. Nani’s and Valencia’s corners in Moscow were just awful.
But I do agree with the fact that Fergie has tried to fit a bunch of square pegs into round holes and it has had very mixed results. Then again, his tactics are so rigidly slow, overly cautious and dull, I seriously doubt any great player could easily move in to the team and quickly adjust and fit in without a problem. As Wenger put it, we are playing anti football. Well I don’t totally agree with him but there is some truth to what he is saying.
I have only really seen us play one half of truly inspiring and entertaining football all season and that was the second half against Man City. So really, before I blame Berba or Nani or Valencia or Anderson, I point a finger at the Boss and ask him in all seriousness, what the frak he thinks he’s doing with this team’s style of play and long lasting legacy and reputation for playing attacking fast paced football?
October 24th, 2009 at 4:21
@Redrich:
Poor Foster can’t even catch a cold. Classic.
I agree with you mate. At the end of the day all this blog is for is to share opinions and nothing is written in stone because all we are is fans and none of us has any clout or stroke at Old Trafford to affect policy. Too many make it their duty to go after people on all the blogs and attack them for simply offering their opinions. Like that is some kind of a crime if you are saying something that isn’t overly popular or conformist. Had this blog been formed in Ancient Roman times I would have been fed to the lions or at least flogged and sent into slavery like Judah Ben Hur for some of my controversial comments. It’s just the cross we all have to bare in order to participate on a blog. There will always be those who resent others offering opinions that do not coincide with theirs. And by the way to others out there, Foster Sucks!
Better prepare myself for rowing duty in the Galley. 
October 24th, 2009 at 4:32
@Grognard: I guess I’ll reserve opinion on SAF for a while yet.
I just can’t get away from the fact of what he has achieved for us and what he might hold around the corner for the near future. The evidence of his legacy impresses my opinion mightily.
But I have to admit that I find myself questioning an awful lot of his tactical decisions, and the way in which he has gone about compiling this team makes me nervous about what is left in that old “war horse”.
October 24th, 2009 at 5:07
@Grognard:
Don’t know ’bout the Romans but we better watch out for the FBI (Fergie’s Bureau of Investigation). They could have us all up in front of the HCUUA (The House Committee on Un-United Affairs) and we’ll end up writing blogs for Citeh and Bolton and worse!! 
October 24th, 2009 at 5:29
@Redrich:
Thank God I’m in Canada. About the only thing you can get into trouble in Canada for is not liking hockey. That’s a hanging offense up here. 
October 24th, 2009 at 5:41
@Redrich: I guess the thing that has me question Fergie is the 180 degree turn he has made in his tactics and the stubborn insistence on starting players like Park, Anderson and Foster when they aren’t good enough and players like Neville and especially Scholes because they are just finished.
I look back back historically through my life and examine the careers of great managers and coaches in sports a little bit closer to home and I do see a trend with legends who reach a certain age. Whether it be Don Shula, Tom Landry, Leo Durocher, Tommy Lasorda, Scotty Bowman, Vince Lombardi, Paul Brown and many college coaches like Bobby Bowden that eventually their age makes them a bit soft and there comes a time where players just kind of tune the out a bit. Nobody has tuned Fergie out thank God but he has gotten progressively softer and has become very lenient with his players as well, I think he has shown a tremendous favoritism to players he prefers and has completely wasted or ruined perfectly good footballers because for whatever reason, they weren’t his cup of tea. But mostly I am seeing an increase of caution and less risk in his management of recent seasons and this is a sure sign of age and the clock running out on his tenure. He is conscious of this and he doesn’t want to be too bold with his decisions for fear of them backfiring on him, so he plays it safe…………….AND BORING.
I love the man and have the utmost respect for him but I am also a true die hard United fan that became a fane well before Fergie and has been used to 35 years of football played a specific kind of way regardless of whether we were winning or not. The game has become to much like a chess match in recent years and it has lowered itself into a battle of managerial egos where the game suffers and all that matters is the decision or result. I expect this from the likes of Mourinho and Benitez. I never in my wildest dreams expected Fergie to become one of them. And truthfully Red, it breaks my heart. I love this team more than anything and it kills me to have to sit through one of their matches these days. Seriously, I’d rather do laundry and clean the house. Much more energy and creativity is being utilized there than what is happening at most of those games.
Thank God I have FIFA 10 and Football Manager to ensure my team plays the way I want it to. 
October 24th, 2009 at 5:42
@Grognard:
I’m headed north, better get my skates on though!! 
I’ve had a long day, mate. See ya manana!!
October 24th, 2009 at 5:47
Eddy I have finally decided to get into a Manager Mode season in FIFA 10 and have chosen Wolfsburg as my team because frankly, I am bored to death with United and sick of most of their players. Anyway, i made some smart acquisitions (love their new managerial transfer engine) and bought Toivonen, Drenthe and Toni Kroos an boy is this team a treat to play with those strikers Dzeko and Grafite up front. Honestly, if Edin Dzeko was this awesome in real life he would be a must buy for United. He has scored some spectacular goals for me and his first touch is just sublime in this game. Also, I am really beginning to love this game because when I played Boca vs River Plate Riquelme was not only awesome, but he scored a god like free kick which almost put me to tears. My God how I love this game now that I can finally get the free kick mechanics to do my bidding. WOW!
October 24th, 2009 at 5:49
@Redrich: Take care Red. Look out for the FBI.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:52
@Grognard: @Footy4Eddy: I just kicked chelsea 9-0 at the professional level. Onto the world class now. I have only managed measly 1-0 wins in earlier attempt, I’ll see if I can get to 3 or 4.
I tried those long shots from far but none goes in, and that commentator always says the same thing after, \\
stupid commentator. So whats the trick to those long shots? the free kicks however are great, I have scored so many I can’t even count.
@Redrich: I might have been a bit rash on my assessment of your berba rant,You may not have have a thing against the bulgarian but you have to admit you came out more like a hater. With these comments
I’m in no way trying to force you to conform to my way of thinking, or impose my ideas on you, you are free to say whatever you want, but when you say it expect people to disagree with you.
October 24th, 2009 at 10:32
@Grognard: I own an Xbox 360, but use it more as an entertainment hub – Netflix, media streaming etc. I’ve tried my hand at FIFA 09, but for some reason, I’ve begun losing interest in the whole FIFA/PES series and become a more committed FM guy. Either way, I was a huge gamer as a kid, but I think I’ve realised now that part of me has grown up. Only cerebral games like FM interest me these days. Even FM I can’t spend time on these days as it will kill my social life entirely.
October 24th, 2009 at 10:56
@Red Ranter: No criticising him is, Park has nothing to do with it.
October 24th, 2009 at 15:31
@spizzy: No worries mate.
Conforming to your ideas is not on the cards and please feel free to disagree with anything I put forth. It’s an open forum here!!
October 24th, 2009 at 17:28
@spizzy: The long distance shot is much simplified. Instead of having to press the right button to add power now you don’t have to do any thing but shoot. The game recognizes that it’s from a distance and will accurately portray the player’s ability from long range. You just need to make sure not to over press the shoot button to avoid doing an Anderson and sending it into the 40th row of seats. If you have a player who has a long shot range of near 90, the rest will be taken care of. What I still want to know is how to perform Ronaldo’s dipping free kick. I score easily on mid range free kicks because all I do is swerve them around the wall. But kicks that have to go over the wall for me are still a bit of a problem. The other big glitch I noticed in the game was that every game i have played with Wolfsburg in Manager mode has been in rain and the second game of season (mid August) was in driving rain with signs of snow on the ground. WTF?
Now i have heard of Global Warming and all but winter in mid August in Germany, that’s a first. 
October 24th, 2009 at 17:47
@Red Ranter: I know what you me my friend. Football Manager is by far the better game overall and by the way, I just ordered my copy of FM 2010, which will be out officially on Oct 30th. Big changes to the GUI and the game has not become easier but has become easier in terms of how to perform time consuming duties like selecting tactics etc. The new interface looks to be a real joy. Check out this 15 minute video on the new improvements. I t made me just salivate with anticipation. It is the purists version of football gaming for sure and takes mental abilities as opposed to thumb bashing skills.
Gaming has been a part of my life since childhood simply because I was a born an only child and in many of the places we moved to, I quite often had to fend for myself and use my own imagination to conjure up ways to have fun. Sports gaming was great because it allowed you to play games in solitaire mode. I had many friends over the years but none of them shared this gaming passion for me until my gaming passion also included war games like Squad Leader for example. I’ve grown up over the years but I still find a passion for this stuff and of course the invention of the PC eventually transferred that passion to the computer. I of course am not as busy as you so I can devote a lot of time to my hobby but I do remember those days in the 80’s and 90’s when I too was to busy to play games. I wouldn’t exactly call it growing up. I’d call it more conforming to the norm and having no time or energy to devote to such things. I’m impressed with your busy schedule that you still find time for FM. Anyway, don’t stifle the little kid in you completely RR.
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/sports/footballmanager2010/video/6237797/football-manager-2010-official-movie-1
I still enjoy FIFA a great deal though because it has come a long way in the past 5 years. It used to annoy me to no end and in fact I much preferred PES five years ago on the old XBOX because of it’s editing tools (I had created the entire Bundesliga from 1979 to 1982 on those old games and truthfully, they would blow your mind on the accuracy and the look of every player and their skills. That was a fun game but the editing took hundreds of man hours. It was really an obsessive hobby to create an era of football that I loved. FIFA has never allowed for that control and their editing restrictions still piss me off but the game is good knuckle dragging fun and the graphics are a delight so therefore I still am addicted to it…..Until FM2010 shows up.
Also, FM2010 will allow you to create your own leagues. For example, If you want to create a European Super League or do the Grognard thing and create a 16 team EPL, now you can. All sorts of nice tweaks and touches and the live games have improved their look also although they are a number of years away from reaching FIFA in that arena.
October 26th, 2009 at 13:48
Looks Like you were spot on. Also I’m really liking how valencia is coming on.